Piano or Poetry – She aces it all

Shreya Aggarwal is not just any class 8 student. This Apeejay School, Noida student is a promising poet in the truest sense. Already an author of two novels, Shreya takes a firm stand against racism in her latest poem: ‘Why?’

In a quick interview with the young champ, we learn about what inspires her and how she balances poetry with her studies and her love for playing the piano. Read edited excerpts:  

Shreya, we got to know you have published two novels already. Tell us about them?

Books and stories have always fantasised me. With strong spirit and a new found enthusiasm I wrote my very first book during the pandemic. 

The following year; when the school still functioned in the online mode, I started penning down the sequel of my first book. Both my novels are based in London and revolve around three main characters; Anne, Laura and Isabelle. These three girls embark on dangerous adventures and bring the crimes of some kidnappers to light. 

My first book is Adventurous Girls on Treasure Island and its sequel is Adventurous Girls Find The Missing.

In your recent poem ‘Why’ you have taken a stand against racism. Is the poem inspired by a personal experience?

Racism is something that everybody has experienced at least once in their lives, be it small children or adults. It’s really disheartening to see that children too  have the mindset that white is lovely while brown is ugly. Through this poem I have tried to shed light on this matter. 

Tell us about the books you’ve read recently?

The Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene has intrigued me recently; though any book which has mystery and magic continues to attract my bookish mind.

One book every poet must read?

There is no such must read book but the book Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank is definitely one of my all time favourites.

Any new book you are going to write?

I definitely started writing a third book for my Adventurous Girls series but since the schools became offline, I haven’t been able to bring myself to finish it. I hope to finish it soon!

You learn piano and you also had your exams recently. How do you balance poetry alongside all this?

The goal is not to compromise my studies. I write poetry in my leisure time during lazy afternoons or whenever I feel inspired.